ablesplain

To explain something related to disability in a manner that is condescending or shows a lack of understanding, compassion, or respect for the disabled.

Verb

  1. To explain something related to disability in a manner that is condescending or shows a lack of understanding, compassion, or respect for the disabled.
    • The disability needs to be “ablesplained” by a medical authority—and these explanations often usurp the voice or perspective of the narrator and overwrite their identity in scientific and pathological terms. - 2016, Jay...
    • 'They just ablesplained their delay by using a disabled passenger as an excuse. And it's a disabled passenger I know. You truly cannot make this up.' - 2017, Samantha Connor, quoted in April Glover, "Qantas pilot...
    • I’m so sick of able-bodied people trying to speak for us, and ablesplaining! - 2018, Cushla Brooke Dares, "BEYOND the FORTRESS: Dis/ability, Community and Care", thesis submitted to the University of Canterbury, page 9

Origin

From able + -splain.

Forms

ablesplains ablesplaining ablesplained

Derived

ablesplaining